Job opportunity of a lifetime, managing conservation in some of Malawi's most unique parks!Posted on: Monday, May 27, 2013

The Nyika-Vwaza Trust is looking for a couple to take up the position of Trust Manager for a term of two years starting on the 1st October 2013. The opportunity would see the successful candidates responsible for managing the trusts conservation programme for both Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve, both of which are unique and stunningly beautiful areas in Malawi. This is a one-off opportunity that any wildlife lover and conservationist looking for a unique experience in a unique wilderness area would find hard to pass on!

Nyika is Malawi’s largest park with an area of no less than 1250 sq miles (3200 sq km). It extends across the great plateau which is essentially a granitic dome and its environment is like none other in the whole of Africa. Stunning vistas of rolling grassland hills extend for miles. The park has one of the highest densities of leopard in Central Africa and there are a number of species of smaller mammals such as warthog and bushpig. Elephants and buffalo usually keep to the lower ground on the northern edge of the park but lions and elephants have recently been seen on the high plateau.

Vwasa Wildlife Reserve, an area of marsh and plain, with a few rocky outcrops, is all of 400 sq miles (1000 sq km) and lies along the Zambian border north-west of Mzuzu. The reserve has a wonderful mix of vegetation: forest and grassland, thin woodland and marsh. It is this rich habitat which attracts a splendid range of birdlife. Nearly 300 species of birds have been recorded including stork, heron and the white-faced tree duck. Herds of thirty or forty elephants are regularly to be seen and there are large numbers of hippos. Lake Kazuni, near the main entrance to the reserve is famous for its hippos. Buffalo are present in the reserve but their roaming habits make their sightings less easy to predict. As on Nyika, there are plenty of smaller mammals.

The position will demand a wide variety of skills, as the managers are responsible for both implementation of the management/conservation programme, and the administration of the trust. By any standards the position is challenging as the camp at Chelinda on the Nyika is in a very remote location – but undoubtedly very rewarding.

The managers are provided with a house in Nyika (at Chelinda), a vehicle and living allowances, as well travel costs to and from Malawi.

If you are interested in being considered for the post please send an expression of interest and CV to Chris Walker, Chairman, Nyika Vwaza Trust. E Mail address: panthunzi@Africa-Online.net